Kano State Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo has formally petitioned the United States Congress to remove former Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso from a proposed sanctions bill, describing his inclusion as a "misguided" and "unfounded" assault on the statesman’s reputation.
The appeal comes in response to the "Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026", a piece of legislation introduced this week by U.S. Representatives Riley Moore and Chris Smith. The bill seeks to impose visa bans and asset freezes on individuals and entities allegedly responsible for severe religious freedom violations in Nigeria, specifically naming Kwankwaso alongside the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association and various Fulani-ethnic militias.
In a statement released Thursday, Deputy Governor Gwarzo argued that the allegations against the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) national leader are inconsistent with a public record spanning over three decades. He characterised the move as a potential product of political "blackmail" orchestrated by rivals seeking to settle personal scores ahead of future electoral cycles.
"At no time has he been indicted, prosecuted, or credibly accused of religious persecution, extremism, or human rights violations," Gwarzo stated. He emphasised that Kwankwaso’s career—which includes roles as Minister of Defence, Senator, and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives—has been anchored on "justice, unity, and inclusive governance."